Introducing Abbey's Over 50s Projects

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What our members say…

Here are a series of lovely quotes from some of our over 50s centre users:

‘It has really been a wondering experience working with Laura and her CHAPs team, and the wider team at the centre. It is very rare that you are able to see and feel true community spirit, and I feel just like that anytime that I visit the Abbey Community Centre. I hope to be back soon to work with you guys again’.

‘I have made many friends. I met new people who are doing different activities and have learnt a lot from them’

‘It’s nice to have a community centre for people as it brings people together, especially when there is a lovely meal and things to do’

‘This place is very comforting, a very good place to learn and teach and to meet other people.’

‘To all the wonderful staff at the Abbey, thank you for the brilliant support and making us feel so welcome!’

‘A wonderful haven. Makes getting old fun’

‘Good to meet everyone and chat and have a laugh. Great fun and very enjoyable thanks’

‘Fantastic centre where I am starting to share and enjoy life!’

‘Enjoy coming to bingo and also enjoy the people here’

‘I enjoy getting involved with the activities, especially gardening’

‘A laugh and great fun!’

‘Thank you for helping me learn the computer’

Here are extracts from a couple of interviews with two of our members…

How did you find out about Abbey Community Centre?

I went to the library in Willesden and asked about local community centres because I was new to the area

What were your first impressions of the Abbey Community Centre?

The people are so friendly and helpful. I was nervous at first but soon relaxed and found it easy to open up.

What is a typical week for you at the community centre?

I sometimes come on Tuesdays for computers and Fridays for the coffee morning and once a month on Saturday for the Saturday Club.

How would you describe the experience of being in a group activity?

Its lovely to see the same people and to meet new people too. I sometimes help with the coffee morning. I come in early and make sure there is enough tea and coffee and biscuits and arrange the seating. I love to have a chat and to serve those who aren’t able to get up and pour tea for themselves. There is lots of good conversation and I like that I can speak my mind.

I am not very computer wise so decided to join the computer group. There are 2 volunteers who are good at answering all the questions that I have. I just dip in and out of the group, and am getting used to the feel of using a computer. Learning to email is something I haven’t done just yet!

Tell us more about the Saturday Club

The Saturday Club is on the first Saturday of the month. We cook food from different places from all over the world. This month we had Austrian food. Because I was late I missed the food – but I did join in the Bingo afterwards. There are gifts for those who win and I like to see other peoples faces when they win and of course to win myself.

What is the best thing about Abbey Community Centre?

I was feeling quite lonely before I joined so it is good to have people to chat to. When I was new to the area I found the others really helped me to improve my knowledge of the local amenities and about getting around locally.

What one thing would you say to others about the centre?

Just come for the fun of it and the company

How did you find out about Abbey Community Centre?

I regularly go past the building and saw the noticeboard. I live just a few bus stops away so it is easy to get to.

What were your first impressions of the Abbey Community Centre?

It was very friendly and welcoming. At first the bright graphic art decorating the building made me think it might be for younger people, like a youth centre. I saw the noticeboard outside advertising over-60s exercise classes so I went inside and found out it is a community centre that offers so many activities to the over 50s

What is a typical week for you at the community centre?

I come on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the first Saturday of each month for the Saturday Club. For the first few weeks I joined the exercise class on a Tuesday and then joined the crochet class. This is plenty of time for me at the Community Centre.

How would you describe the experience of being in a group activity?

I have been knitting since I was very young and the crochet class is a chance to get together as a social event. We have an extremely talented teacher who taught us to crochet flowers and make slippers. I have knitted scarves and two cardigans too. Sometimes we don’t do a lot of knitting because we chat with each other so much!

The exercise class is adapted for older people. We do exercises half sitting down and then standing behind a chair. It is very popular and attended mostly by ladies. There are about 20 of us. There has been a big improvement in my walking stairs since joining the group.

Tell us more about the Saturday Club

The Saturday Club cooks foreign cuisine. We have cooked recipes that come from Austria, India and and Africa. It is very international. It starts at 10am and we eat together at 12:30. From 13:30 there is entertainment. I especially like the Bingo.

What is the best thing about Abbey Community Centre

The people are very nice and I get on well with everyone. The staff are also very nice. I live by myself and found that since coming to Abbey Community Centre I feel much better. You can make a lot of friends here and the Centre is amazing with all the different activities, most of which are free.